Regulated by: The Law Society of Scotland
Licensed for 2 years
Accepting new clients via ReviewSolicitors
Regulated by: The Law Society of Scotland
Licensed for 2 years
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Until Present
| Monday | 09:00–17:00 | |
| Tuesday | 09:00–17:00 | |
| Wednesday | 09:00–17:00 | |
| Thursday | 09:00–17:00 | |
| Friday | 09:00–17:00 | (Open) |
| Saturday | (Closed) | |
| Sunday | (Closed) |
80 St Margaret Street, DUNFERMLINE, Fife, KY12 7PE
Selina and her team were extremely helpful and professional in my recent divorce. I would recommend them. Thanks
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Thank you Les for taking the time to leave Selina your 5 star review, this is very much appreciated. We are happy that we were able to provide you with a positive experience.
From the off - no face to face meetings...other than to take £750 up front retainer - even then when I asked to see Selina (apparently a Family Law Specialist Solicitor) I was told by Cameron she was working from home, but just as my card was swiped in reception - who should walk out of the office but Selina herself. The first lie then - should have trusted my gut there and then. Did have an initial telephone discussion with Selina - this was fine - she said all the right things and that filled me with confidence, to get me on board. However, it became evident that Selina only becomes a name/signatory on the paperwork pantomime of the back and forth between her and her fellow solicitor pal in Perth representing my other half. On the initial phone discussion with Selina - she advised that she and Duncan MacKinnon of McCash and Hunter both sit side by side on the Family Panel (or a board to that effect within the court) and when I directly asked her if that was a problem for her to go head to head with the other solicitor - she said no but I realised about a few weeks in that I was getting played - the back and forth being a pantomime production of us asking A,B,C and only getting answers (or half answers) to A. Completely strung out in a bid to extend your bill. The mothers side calls the shots. This is extremely concerning as BOTH these solicitors are meant to have the child's welfare at heart (both sit on the family panel or whatever they called it at the court) but actually are following the age old line - if the mother is clearly telling her side of the story then that is what they go with. The dad doesn't stand a chance but will get drained of their wages. In summary - two months in, a £1150 bill and nothing to show for it. No parental agreement (for the child), no further forward with selling the house or buying my partner out the property, four hours contact (dictated by the mother) with my child in nearly 3 months now. That is not in the child's best interests or welfare. Other areas of concern - you think you are signing up to Selina - I spoke to her once - all emails come from underlings with mis-spellings, bad grammar etc. Not what you expect at a huge hourly rate. Also sign you up to a £250 a month standing order but then refuse to proceed with your case unless you give them interim payments (£500) over and above. Felt like just a number on their books. Perhaps taking too many clients on or too many holidays - or both. Good at mis-spelling my name, as well as rushed Friday 4.30pm calls about the Saturday/next day contact from yet another underling who I have never dealt with - Darci this time. Sounded like an intern/young apprentice as yet again - the person I should have been dealing with was on holiday/not in the office. Walked away from this firm as don't mind spending money and seeing progress - but for this large sum of money achieved absolutely zero. Am compiling my complaint to put to the ombudsman / Scottish Legal Complaints Commission. I am not putting this review on here for a response from W&AS Bruce - but rather to make aware other Fathers to not use this solicitor. It is not good value for money, you will achieve nothing here other than stress and wage drain.
As you will appreciate solicitors, given the nature of our work, do not have the ability to respond to a review in the same free manner in which it is written. This is the first time that I have had to be given advanced warning of review content due to review platform’s concerns over false and defamatory content. After reflection, I have not taken issue with the printing of the contents on the basis that we are permitted to provide a response. Myself and my team - Helen (my trusted Paralegal, who does not appear to have a mention in your commentary) Cameron (our Paralegal in training) and Darci (our Trainee Solicitor and newest recruit), all of whom you derogatorily refer to as “underlings” have a very different view of our brief but intensive period of interaction. I will be provided the opportunity to provide an unfettered response in due course, within what my governing body views as the appropriate forum. What I am able to say in this forum is that we do not “lie” to clients. You arrived at our office just after opening. Cameron was unaware I was changing my arrangements for that day. Myself and Mr MacKinnon are among a number of trustees on the board of the charity, Relationships Scotland. I am grateful to say that I have, over my last twenty years of practice, developed strong and amicable relationships with many solicitors in the Fife Faculty as well as Perth and Dundee. This has improved my ability to do good work for my clients. The nature of court work is such that there is a professional camaraderie that is not found in other areas of practice and I am privileged to be part of it. Despite our amicable connections, solicitors always act in the best interests of their client. Clients are provided a clear indication of fees at the outset, and prior to any formal instruction. The level of fees represents the intensity of the work undertaken, not necessarily the length of a case. I always voice concerns with my clients if I feel they are accruing unnecessary legal fees by not using my time wisely. I am pleased to say, with our new trainee having started that the Dunfermline office is once again able to offer Legal Aid to those who are eligible. Appointments are available for face to face, telephone call or teams. Lastly, your review exhibits the highly emotive nature of a solicitor’s day to day work. We deal with a volume of cases. This is necessary to survive as a business and to enable us to continue providing much needed services for which there is a heavy demand. We must prioritise certain cases over others where necessary, but treat all cases with equal importance. The content of your email significantly undermines the time and attention provided to your case and the sound advice (whether agreeable or not) provided. Selina Mackay Partner
I was represented by Selina during my separation. She is very warm, easy to talk to and empathetic. I found the other staff lovely and helpful too, Helen in particular.
Thank you Leanne for taking the time to leave your 5 star review. This is very much appreciated by all at W&AS Bruce but especially Selina and Helen.
I recently required the services of a solicitor. Having dealt with W and AS Bruce before with house purchases, I had no hesitation in contacting them for assistance. The entire process was seamless and I was fully appraised of what was happening throughout the process. They made what could have been a difficult situation, very straightforward for myself and my now ex-wife. Helen Gibb and Selina Mackay are an absolute credit to the firm and I would have no hesitation in seeking their help again.
Thank you for taking the time to leave Helen and Selina a lovely 5 star review. This is very much appreciated by the team.
Selina has supported us through our court cases in the family court over the past 4 years and has been extremely helpful, professional and caring. She has gone out of her way to help us and I would definitely recommend her!
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Thank you for your review. We appreciate the positive feedback you have given us and look forward to working with you in the future.
Helen and Selina were so helpful and very supportive with my case, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them both to others!
Thank you Iona for taking the time to leave Helen and Selina your 5 star review, this is very much appreciated. We are happy we were able to provide you with a positive experience and wish you all the best.
I used W&AS Bruce for my separation and divorce. I cannot thank Helen enough for everything she did for me and also Selina. Always kept me informed as to progress and nothing was too much trouble. I would recommend Helen and Selina to anyone who is looking for help, support and guidance through any difficult family matter.
Thank you for your review. We appreciate the positive feedback you have given us and look forward to working with you in the future.
W&AS Bruce were a fantastic support when I had to obtain legal advice whilst going through redundancy at work. The team supported me through each step and kept me informed along the way, whilst providing me with comfort that they had my best interests at heart and would handle everything on my behalf. Would definitely recommend!
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Thank you for your review. We appreciate the positive feedback you have given us and look forward to working with you in the future.
I would like to thank Selina Mackay for representing me in the small claims court. I can't praise her enough for the help over the last few months. Her kind and caring nature put me at ease on our first meeting and I was kept well informed at all times by the team. I will not hesitate recommending Selina to friends and family in need of legal help.
Legal experts tagged in
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Thank you Liz for leaving Selina your 5 star review and your kind words. This is very much appreciated.
I dealt with Helen and Selena at W&AS Bruce regarding my divorce and I cannot praise them enough. They made it very straightforward and the process was very quick and simple for which I am very grateful. Thank you
Thank you Sarah Louise for taking the time to leave Helen and Selina your 5 star review. This is very much appreciated.
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